Donna Stewart says she would not be where she is today if it was not for the support of her friends and family throughout her cancer journey.
After experiencing a “really bad” headache for a few days in September 2019, the 55-year-old’s doctor originally thought she was suffering from a migraine.
When the pain got so bad that her friend took her to hospital, she received her “shock” cancer diagnosis – a grade four glioblastoma.
“My friend, Nicola Bray, knew I wasn’t right,” Mrs Stewart said. “She took me to A&E because I couldn’t get downstairs and I was barely conscious at some points.
“They scanned and found a brain tumour the size of a small orange.”
Mrs Stewart, from Newburgh, had an emergency surgery that night to remove 80% of the tumour, with 20% left to avoid paralysis.
“I then underwent six weeks of radiotherapy every day. My friend Sandra Gray drove me to every appointment and all my follow up consultations to save my husband from having to take time off work.
“Then I had to do six months of double chemo because of the aggressive nature of the cancer.
“Now, I get scanned every six months and the last four scans have shown that what’s left of the tumour is remaining stable. It hasn’t spread and I don’t have any new spots.”
Ready to take to the stage
The treatment took a big toll on the grandmother-of-two’s life and forced her to slow down.
This included a six-month period where she had to stay in bed – with dog Olli by her side the whole time.
“He really did look after me,” she said.
She has also had to take time off from her work as a people and organisation manager for Wood, who she says have been another great support through everything.
“At one point I was given a wheelchair, but I was just determined that wasn’t for me. I used it once and then I started walking with two sticks.
“That was the very first time I met the Courage girls. The delay for the event to take place has been quite good for me because it means I’m totally mobile again.
“For me, the show will be totally different for what it would have been in 2020.”
It was one of Mrs Stewart’s friends who nominated her to take part in the upcoming Courage on the Catwalk.
When she first found out she would be one of the models taking to the stage at the Beach Ballroom, she was not too sure how she felt about it.
“At that point in time, I was quite poorly,” she said. “I could only walk with two sticks, so I had a lot of mixed feelings. But, now, I’m really looking forward to it.
“It’s such a confidence boost. I’ve met great girls that have gone through similar journeys that will be lifelong friends.
“We’re in touch pretty much daily – it’s a real bond of friendship there. We all support each other.”
‘I’ve got my life back’
Taking part in the event is a way for Mrs Stewart to thank Friends of Anchor for the emotional support they provided during her radiotherapy treatment.
Meanwhile, her husband, Fraser Stewart, and her brother, Kenneth Gardiner, have found their own way to show their gratitude to the charity.
“My husband, my brother and three of their friends, including Brave model Ally Parker, are doing a trek across the Sahara desert to raise funds for Friends of Anchor and for brain cancer research.
“They call themselves Team Wolfpack, and at the moment they’ve raised £20,000.”
Despite all the “good fun” had during rehearsals, Mrs Stewart said it is quite daunting thinking about being on the catwalk in front of hundreds of people.
One thing that will help her through is seeing all her friends and family in the crowd cheering her on – including her children Danielle, Georgia and Aaran, and grandson Logan.
At points during her treatment she said there were big moments she did not think she would be able to experience with her family .
“Shortly after my diagnosis, my daughter Georgia found out she was pregnant with my grandson Mason,” she said.
“At points I didn’t think I’d be here to meet him – and he’s now over a year old.”
Now, she says some days she forgets all about the cancer and is deciding to embrace doing the things she loves – especially travelling.
“I’ve been to Rome, St Lucia, Portugal and Spain six times since September,” she said. “It didn’t always feel like it would, but it did end and I’ve got my life back.
“You’ve just got to live your life.”
Courage on the Catwalk will take place at the Beach Ballroom on May 7 and 8. Tickets are on sale now, visit the Friends of Anchor website to join the waiting list.
